4 Home Assessments Buyers May Need Outside of the Inspection

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“Although mortgage lenders do not generally require it, nearly 80 percent of people who buy homes that are not newly built opt for an inspection. The main reason is to make sure there are no problems with the structure, roof, heating, plumbing, and electrical systems, among other things,” says Tim Buell, president of the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI).

That figure is not surprising. Considering the significant investment you’re making when buying a home; you don’t want to incur any surprise costs because you didn’t take advantage of a home inspection before closing. But keep in mind, a home inspection will not necessarily cover every inch of your new home. How can you be sure you choose the right inspections, tests, and reviews.

It’s as simple as hiring an inspector that is certified to scope sewer lines or to hire a professional who does sewer scopes. The test itself is rather simple and does not take long. A long camera will be inserted down your drain and through your pipes until it reaches the city sewer connection. They’re almost always recorded and provided to you so you can see any issues the inspector or sewer professional find.

Radon testing

Radon is an invisible and odorless radioactive gas that can seep out of the ground and enter your house through drains or even cracks in your home’s foundation. It often collects in basements and crawl spaces.

The only way to know if your home has radon is to have a licensed professional conduct a radon test.

If radon levels remain high, you have another relatively affordable option. A radon mitigation system can be installed, which involves ventilating your home with PVC piping to draw radon gas up from the soil and out of your house.

Swimming pool inspection

Some buyers assume the home inspection covers the pool, but it’s rare when it does. Even if they offer pool inspections, many home inspectors do not have the required expertise to evaluate a pool. So, it’s important to hire a professional who is licensed to find problems that may accompany your new home’s oasis.

In addition to the pool itself, which must be solid in the ground and free of leaks, the equipment that keeps it clean and heated—the pumps, heaters, filters, and sweep—must be operating properly. The electrical equipment and the plumbing also need to be tested. Finally, the inspector should check the decking surfaces surrounding the pool, drains, safety covers and any hardware that secures them.

Pest control

By law, only a licensed pest control operator can inspect for termites, dry rot, fungus, other pests, organisms, or rodents. Pest inspectors will poke around the exterior of the home, including the foundation, windows, roofline, and rafters.

If signs point to a rodent or pest issue, your inspector will present an official report with suggested solutions on how to remove the problem and prevent any future issues.

The bottom line

Some home inspectors are licensed and trained to handle all of these additional services and more. Some aren’t.

What’s most important is not to inherit problems when purchasing a new home. Even if it means hiring multiple agencies or professionals, take precautions and invest in your health, safety, and peace of mind by scheduling a home inspection and going the extra mile with a few additional services outside of the inspection. You’ll thank yourself later.